Friend of Captured Murder Suspect Also Arrested at Vernon Motel

In the course of capturing a suspect in a Hartford murder who was hiding in a Vernon motel last week, police also arrested his friend who attempted to help him escape.

Daryle Holden, 27, of 21 Harrison St., Hartford, was charged with first-degree hindering prosecution, a felony, and interfering with an officer following an incident at the Days Inn at 451 Hartford Turnpike.

He posted a $50,000 nonsurety bond, according to judicial records, and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court Feb. 2.

His friend, Zachary Alexander, 26, of 469 East St., New Britain, had been sought in connection with a Dec. 12, 2015 shooting death in the capital city..

According to Lt. William Meier, Vernon police were contacted by Hartford police, the Hartford Shooting Task Force and the USMS Fugitive Task Force on Jan. 22 with information that Alexander was at the Days Inn.

When officers went to the door of the room in which they were staying, Alexander and Holden attempted to exit the room via the rear sliding glass door in an apparent attempt to escape capture. The officers were able to enter the room and Alexander physically resisted the officers who attempted to take him into custody by grabbing onto the porch railing and resisting efforts to handcuff him, Meier said.

Holden also violently struggled with officers in an attempt to escape and resist arrest, Meier said.

Alexander’s identity had previously been released publicly by Hartford police, and it was well-known that he was a wanted fugitive. He faces charges of murder, criminal possession of a firearm and sale of narcotics by Hartford police, as well as interfering with an officer by Vernon police.

Alexander is being held on bonds totaling $1.8 million, and is due in Hartford Superior Court Feb. 9.

Photo courtesy of Vernon Police Department